Suboxone Withdrawal...

[Howtocope]

It all began with vicodin 7.5/750mg of acetaminophen. I took on average 13-15 of them a day for 2 years.  Then, I discovered suboxone and was on it for a little over a year...never relapsed. I got down to a quarter of a 2mg pill(0.5mg). Why am I still experiencing such harsh withdrawals? I just want to be off the suboxone and done with it for good. I stopped going to my doctor 3 months ago. I haven't ran out of suboxone either. Just wanted to quit...but, I guess it will leave me no choice but to take it again. The withdrawals are causing me body aching pain, loss of appetite, and I can't sleep. I've never liked how suboxone has made me feel. That's my biggest reason for wanting to be done with it.

Any suggestions, tips, and comments would be greatly appreciated.

[sid3]

I can't add much more than the advice posted above. The every other day dosing is a really good idea. The half life is so long that many times the wds experienced are more just in our head, we read so much negative about the horrible wds from sub etc. I've read that sub doses can be titrated down just like a benzo. Maybe going back to the Dr one or two more times may ease some of your discomfort. I know how expensive it can be, but needlessly suffering has a heavy price too. You will get through it. Focus on the positive posts/stories about people getting off of sub. Try and block out all the **** spewd by the haters. That should help some. Good luck

[salsinator]

Good Morning, welcome to the forum.  Suboxone is a very stong opiate and unfortunately it must be tapered down to about .5mg to avoid severe withdrawal.  I too tried to jump off once at 2 mg and experienced withdrawal much more severe than my original drug of choice.  Also, since the half life for suboxone is 37.5 hours, it typically takes over 24 hours for the first sign of withdrawal to even kick in.  How long has it been since you took your last dose?  If it's been a few days, try cutting your 2mg dose in half.  Take that for a few days at 1mg, if that holds off withdrawal, then take a razor blade and shave off just a bit more and take that dose for 3 more days.  It will seem crazy, but you will get to a point where you are just taking crumbs, but it will work.  Cut it back and then try dosing just every other day.  When you get to this point, then you should be able to stop with much less suffering.  Keep posting, there are many experienced people here who can help.  Best of luck to you.